The Timothy J. Piazza Law is named for a Penn State University sophomore from Readington who died during a fraternity hazing in 2017.

“Timothy’s death was a horrible and preventable tragedy,” said Bateman. “No college student should have to endure the horrors Timothy suffered. With the support of the Legislature, we can enact this law and protect young people from this dangerous and cruel practice.”

Bateman’s bill would increase hazing to a crime of the fourth degree, and aggravated hazing to a crime of the third degree. Currently, the charge reaches aggravated hazing when the criminal act results in serious bodily injury to another person.

“College students have the right to live and learn in a safe environment without fear, and parents who send their child off to school should demand no less,” Bateman said. “Unless we explicitly prohibit the deep-rooted custom of hazing, more families will suffer. It is my hope that this tragedy leads to real change.”

An investigation determined Piazza was pressured into consuming 18 alcohol drinks in 90 minutes. In light of the circumstances of his death, Bateman’s measure also prohibits causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

“More than half of college students involved with fraternities, sports teams and other organizations experience hazing,” Bateman added. “No one should be subjected to ritual humiliation. Students must understand that hazing is a crime, and there are serious, life-altering consequences for engaging in such malicious and depraved behavior. This law will be a strong deterrent to ensure college kids get that message.”

Jim Piazza, Timothy’s father, told the committee that Pennsylvania recently passed similar legislation, and other states are following suit.

“Hazing is happening too often on college campuses and in high schools and middle schools as well,” said Piazza, who was accompanied by Timothy’s mom Evelyn. “We only hear about the high profile cases, but people are dying and there are so many other situations where people get seriously hurt. We want it to stop. We want to put an end to it.”

FLEMINGTON, NJ – Thousands flocked to Stangl Road here yesterday to join in the kick-off of the Central Jersey Jazz Festival, an event that will continue today in New Brunswick from 1 to 6 p.m. and in Somerville on Sunday, also from 1 to 6 p.m.

As with the Flemington show, all performances are free. Those attending should supply their own chairs. Food vendors are available at all three ...

FLEMINGTON, NJ – Thousands flocked to Stangl Road here yesterday to join in the kick-off of the ...

HIGH POINT, NC - The High Point Rockers (31-30, 72-59) overcame an early deficit to top the Somerset Patriots (22-39, 64-67) 5-1 Friday night at BB&T Point

Somerset jumped in front with a two-out rally in the top of the first inning. Olmo Rosario started the rally with a base hit up the middle before Jimmy Paredes lined an RBI double to right-center field, putting the Patriots ahead ...

HIGH POINT, NC - The High Point Rockers (31-30, 72-59) overcame an early deficit to top the ...

PISCATAWAY, NJ – As the people of the Bahamas begin to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Dorian left the islands reeling from the devastation, the local Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen is working to raise funds that will aid in the long recovery process.

Bishop James F. Checchio has authorized a special collection at all parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen the weekend of Sept. 14 and 15, ...

PISCATAWAY, NJ – As the people of the Bahamas begin to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Dorian ...

The Patriots jumped put to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Olmo Rosario started the scoring with an RBI single, followed by an RBI fielder’s choice by Jimmy Paredes. Edwin Espinal then launched a two-run home run (7) to left field to ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have acquried right-handed Taylor Wright in a trade with the Evansville Otters (Frontier League) for future considerations. He is active for tonight’s game against the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Wright enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and first in the Atlantic League. The 6’5” righty spent his first professional season this year with the ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have acquried right-handed Taylor Wright in a trade with the ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Somerset County business and civic leaders will welcome representatives from the Howard County, Maryland Chamber of Commerce for an Inter-City Visit and Leadership Conference from Sunday, Sept. 15th, to Tuesday, Sept. 17th..

The Howard County Chamber will bring 20 to 30 business and civic leaders along with County Executive Calvin Ball and elected and appointed officials. The ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Somerset County business and civic leaders will welcome representatives from the ...

SOMERVILLE , NJ – The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed September 2019 as National Recovery Month.

The proclamation was presented by Freeholder Director Brian D. Levine at the Sept. 10 freeholders’ meeting and accepted by Rocky Schwartz of Prevention Resources Inc. Also joining in the presentation were county Human Services Director Michael J. Frost; county Alcoholism ...

SOMERVILLE , NJ – The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed September 2019 as ...

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – The Naturalists at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, are presenting "Landscapes of New Jersey", a photo exhibit by David Blinder, New Jersey native and professional photographer.

The exhibit is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 6th.

The exhibit shows New Jersey’s great ecological diversity. From shorelines, to the mountainous rocky ...